Families Urged to Protect Seniors from Major Killer During Heart Month

Towson, MD, February 14, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The month of February is all about the heart: affairs of the heart on Valentine’s Day and dangers to the heart during American Heart Month. That’s why Senior Helpers, the fastest growing provider of in-home care for seniors, advises families to help reduce their elderly loved ones’ risk of heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. and the elderly are at even greater risk.

“Heart failure is reaching a critical level among seniors so you need to watch out for the symptoms of heart problems,” advises Peter Ross, CEO and founder of Senior Helpers. “If you can’t check up on your elderly loved one, hire a trusted caregiver who can.”

A chronic disease, heart failure occurs when any part of the heart muscle weakens and the heart can’t provide the body’s cells oxygen and nutrient rich blood. Everyday activities become difficult and in some cases dangerous because of fatigue and shortness of breath.

Consider:

Heart disease is the #1 killer of all Americans and those over age 65.
807, 082 patients age 65 or older were hospitalized for heart failure in 2006.
The number of patients over 65 hospitalized for heart failure increased by 131% between 1980 and 2006.
The risk of heart failure increases with age, doubling after age 75 and doubling again after age 85.
Heart disease kills 910,000 Americans annually, according to the American Heart Association.
Individuals with cardiovascular disease; coronary heart disease, stroke, or heart failure, have five to seven times the risk as the general population of having a heart attack or dying.

“The key for seniors and their families is to know the risk factors and lower the risk, “says Ross. “Seniors need regular medical care and family members need to check on them. Senior Helpers is there if a family member can’t be there.”

Know the signs of a heart attack.

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks start with mild pain or discomfort in the chest that can last for minutes or go away and come back.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including pain in the arms, back or neck.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Help elderly loved ones reduce the risk of heart disease:
· Make sure seniors get their blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
· Make sure seniors get their cholesterol checked on a regular basis.
· Help them quit smoking.
· Help them exercise.

Tell the story of seniors and heart issues. They can provide:

· Interviews/photos/b-roll with elderly care experts who can talk about heart issues with seniors.
· Interviews/photos/b-roll with caregivers and families.

This story touches a huge portion of your readers/listeners/viewers this February.

We’ll develop the story for you and set up all the interviews and photo/b-roll opportunities you need right in your area.

Media Contact
Sue Yannello syannello@919marketing.com
919.459.8162

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://www.seniorhelpers.com/

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About Senior Helpers:
Senior Helpers connects professional caregivers with seniors who wish to live at home as opposed to a nursing home or assisted living facility. The company has 260 franchises in 37 states and offers a wide range of personal and companion care services to assist seniors living independently with a strong focus on quality of life for the client and peace of mind for their families. Senior Helpers strives to be the leading companion and personal care provider that offers dependable, consistent and affordable home care.